Quick Hits

The sun is shining, Maria Sharapova is smiling. This is Australian Open practice!

Ross Hutchins, who began his 6-month chemotherapy today, talks about Andy Murray‘s note to him from Brisbane (and how supportive his mate has been): ”It did bring a tear to my eye. I was very moved by it. I was quite emotional when he said that. I didn’t expect it at all, but he’s been so supportive, wanting to know about everything, all the details. He’s researched everything so well. He’s probably researched it more than my doctor… He’s been sending me links about guys who have gone through this and come out on top. He’s just a guy who wants to know all the details about everything.”

Koalas, wallabies and snakes took over the Australian Open player cafe, and got to hang out (literally!) with Venus Williams, Sabine Lisicki and more!

Alex Ovechkindescribes being engaged to Maria Kirilenko: “It’s a good feeling. It’s not that feeling anymore where you can do whatever you want. You have a girl with a tennis racquet and she can hit you.” Yup.